Set in rural Gloucestershire in the mid-nineteenth century, THE OLD HOUSE AT RAILES follows the fortunes of Martin Cox, the gifted son of a local stonemason. Martin and his family live in poverty, but he is educated at Newton Railes, the house of one of the most respected families in the district, the Tarrants. Martin instantly falls under the spell of both the old house and John Tarrant's beautiful daughters. The destinies of both families alter: Martin comes into a legacy and buys a comfortable cottage whle expanding his father's business until he too is a wealthy man. The Tarrants, however, experience a tragedy which also has a dramatic effect on Martin, as he renews his connection with the old house at Railes, and with the girl he has loved since boyhood.